Somalia's new government from its base in Kenya is seeking UN funding for an African peacekeepers to help stabilise the country after years of anarchy. The plea comes as the UN Security Council holds a rare meeting outside New York in Nairobi to discuss conflict in Sudan, as well as Somalia. "We really want them to resolve Somalia's security question," new President Abdullahi Yusuf told Reuters. Islamic groups strongly oppose proposals for foreign troops. The UN talks are being held primarily to discuss the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region, but the issue of Somalia's security is on the agenda.
Since the 1991 fall of dictator Mohammed Siad Barre, Somalia has been a battleground for numerous clan-based factions. | As opposed to the paradise on earth it was under his enlightened rule. |
The new government remains in Kenya as it is considered too dangerous for them to return. On Wednesday, the Nairobi residence of President Yusuf was attacked by unknown gunmen - although he was unhurt.
Mr Yusuf told Reuters news agency while visiting Djibouti that the funding of peacekeepers is a key issue. "Above all we want it to tackle the question of funding of an African force because the African Union (AU) is too young for such a task," he said. "The resources and the agreement for this force are expected from their (the UN's) side. We will present our programme and count on them for the mobilisation of the funds." The Security Council meets in Nairobi on Thursday and Friday. | Do we have to let them back in the US? |
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